Bourbon Reforms and Enlightened Despotism in Spain

Posted on Feb 1, 2025 in History

Reforms in the Organization of the State: Centralist Monarchy

The establishment of a strong monarchy, centralized and unified, following the French model, was the work of Felipe V, Fernando VI, and Carlos III. It aimed to reach all areas of the State: Government, Administration, Army, Church, Politics, and Economics.

Government

The objective was to strengthen the central power, for which the Decree of Nueva Planta (1716) was approved. Charters, municipal autonomy, and the Courts were deleted.

  • A new model of territorial administration was established, based on the division into provinces.
  • A new territorial tax system was created.
  • The Royal Hearings were held for judicial matters.

It was not uniform throughout the country, as the Basque Country and Navarra continued with their jurisdictions since they supported Felipe V in the War of Succession.

Administration

  • Councils disappeared, except for Castilla.
  • Secretaries of Dispatch were created, a precedent to the Council of Ministers.
  • Quartermasters were created to act between the center and the provinces on tax issues and public works.
  • Municipalities lost authority.

Ecclesiastical Policy

Regalism refers to the rights of the monarchy in ecclesiastical matters, which is manifested in:

  1. Appointments of church officials.
  2. Perception of vacant sees’ income by the Crown.
  3. Royal initiative proposals.

This policy had two significant events: the expulsion of the Jesuits (1767) and cutting the power of the Inquisition.

Army

  • Creation of a coherent control system.
  • Replacing the old Regiments with Thirds.

Economy

  • Attempts to reform the Hacienda by the Marquis de la Ensenada.
  • Disappearance of the offices of the Crown of Aragon.
  • Crop intensification.
  • End of the monopoly of the House of Trade and commerce with America.
  • Industry support: disappearance of the guilds and the creation of Royal Factories.

The Practice of Enlightened Despotism: Carlos III

The reign of Carlos III (1759-1788) signifies the fullness of enlightened despotism, with absolute power undiminished. It began at an early stage with a major renovation project, such as the contribution from the Marquis de la Ensenada and the prohibition of goods increasing in mortmain. These harmed the interests of the privileged classes. Thus, under the guise of urban police measures, the Esquilache Mutiny (1776) occurred in response to government measures.

The reforms continued, but with greater caution, in the following areas:

  1. Containing the power of the church with regalism, leading to the expulsion of the Jesuits.
  2. Reduction of the power of the Inquisition.
  3. Extension of culture: the creation of schools (San Isidro, 1770), up through the Royal Academies, Society of Friends of the Country, and regular press releases.
  4. Promoting the economy:
    • Agricultural: reducing the privileges of the Mesta and the extent of the estates.
    • Industry and Trade: the free movement of goods, free trade with America from all Hispanic ports, and reform of the tax system.
  5. Good character in the exercise of all professions.
  6. Reform of the army.

Highlighting the various ministers: Ensenada, Campomanes, Floridablanca, Aranda, Jovellanos, Olavide, Cabarrus, etc.